Wind continues to play a significant role

GE (NYS: GE) announced today the opening of the Paldiski Wind Farm on the Pakri peninsula in northwestern Estonia. With 18 GE 2.5-100 wind turbines, the Paldiski Wind Farm marks the commercial debut of the company's wind turbine technology in Estonia, one of Europe's most promising wind sectors. GE representatives were joined at the ceremony by officials from Eesti Energia AS and Nelja Energia AS , the owners of the wind farm, as well as President of Estonia Toomas Hendrik Ilves.

"I am glad that Paldiski wind farm has been completed. One more efficient power plant has been added to Eesti Energia's generating portfolio, as wind conditions on Pakri peninsula are excellent," said Sandor Liive , chairman of the Eesti Energia management board. Eesti Energia currently operates four wind farms: Paldiski, Aulepa, Narva and Virtsu, with a total capacity of 111 MW.

Thanks to strong winds coming off the Baltic Sea and the installation of the Paldiski Wind Farm, Estonia experienced a significant development for wind power last year. According to Martin Kruus, who is the chairman of the board of both Nelja Energia and the Estonian Wind Power Association, Estonia erected a record number of wind turbines last year with a total capacity of 86 megawatts (MW) that led to the overall capacity of 269 MW. "The amount of wind energy generated during 2012 grew by 23 percent," said Kruus.

"Wind continues to play a significant role in powering communities, and GE's wind turbines offer high efficiency and reliability for a broad range of wind conditions," said Cliff Harris, general manager, GE Renewable Energy Europe. "Our 2.5-100 wind turbine is a product of GE's evolution in the wind industry and is an excellent addition to the multi-megawatt wind sector. Advancements in serviceability and grid integration from earlier GE turbine models make it a great fit for Estonia's robust wind conditions."

To ensure successful operation and maintenance support, the wind farm is supported by a 10-year full service agreement from GE, which includes advanced anomaly detection, unplanned maintenance and an availability guarantee.

A Government framework is to be formed to help guide An Bord Pleanála on their windfarm planning decisions.

It should be finalised by late 2014 according to Minister Pat Rabbitte, but some applications,including those from Element Power, could be lodged months earlier.

Fine Gael Chairman and Laois/Offaly TD Charlie Flanagan says local communities will have their say.

“It is important that there is an open and transparent process for any individual or community that wishes to input their concerns. This will allow for all stakeholders to be consulted directly on national policy,” he said.

He said a revision of the 2006 guidelines on wind energy will begin later this year, calling them ‘outdated and obsolete’.

‘Key issues of concern such as noise, proximity, and visual amenity will be examined.

No community will have wind farms foisted upon them unwillingly and I would urge them to use these forums to air their concerns,” he said.

Element Power recently announced $250 million will be given to midlands communities over the 25 year lifespan of their turbines, through community, education, enterprise and energy grants.

““We have seen first-hand the desperate effects which emigration has had on many parts of the Midlands. By creating employment as well as offering financial support to sporting organisations and groups, we intend to make a real and positive contribution,” a spokesperson said.

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